Universal transition molding

ABSTRACT

A universal transition molding for bridging two floor surfaces can include: a substantially symmetrical extruded profile of unitary construction having: (i) a substantially planar central portion, (ii) a pair of downwardly depending substantially planar wings, (iii) a pair of hinge sections joining the wings to opposing edges of the central portion, and (iv) a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion. Methods of manufacturing and installing the universal transition molding are described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/041,209, filed Jun. 19, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

In various embodiments, the invention relates to a transition molding and, more particularly, to a universal transition molding configured for mounting in a slot or gap between adjacent building materials, such as flooring materials.

BACKGROUND

Transition molding can be used to provide a smooth transition between two adjacent flooring materials, particularly when there is a noticeable gap or height difference between the flooring materials. By covering abrupt or unfinished edges between flooring materials, transition molding can reduce potential safety hazards and improve appearance of a floor installation. Existing transition molding products, however, can be challenging to install and/or cannot adequately accommodate a variety of height transitions.

A long standing problem in the residential and commercial construction industry relates to floor transitions of different heights requiring a “multiple transition” molding, as well as floors of the same height requiring an “even transition” molding. These transitions can occur between the same or different flooring materials (e.g., wood to wood, wood to tile, tile to linoleum, etc.). Currently, the industry addresses this problem by supplying two separate products: a T-molding for same height flooring transitions and an MPR (multi-purpose reducer) molding for different floor height transitions.

Multiple profiles of both T- and MPR moldings are manufactured, to accommodate vastly different thicknesses of floors. This entails purchasing and maintaining an inventory of a large number of similar, but differently dimensioned, moldings.

There is a need for a universal transition molding that is easy to install and capable of accommodating a wide range of height transitions between adjacent flooring materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the articles and methods described herein relate to a universal transition molding for bridging two floor surfaces or materials. The universal transition molding can be formed by extrusion and can be or include a molding profile of unitary construction. The universal transition molding can be installed by pressing or pounding a portion of the molding into a gap or slot between the two floor surfaces. In some instances, vertical legs on the molding can be pressed into the slot, which can include or be defined by a U-shaped track configured to receive the vertical legs.

In general, in one aspect, the subject matter of this disclosure relates to a universal transition molding for bridging two floor surfaces. The molding is or includes a substantially symmetrical extruded profile of unitary construction including: a substantially planar central portion; a pair of downwardly depending substantially planar wings; a pair of hinge sections joining the wings to opposing edges of the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion.

In certain examples, the extruded profile is made of or includes PVC and/or can have a Shore D durometer in a range of about 50 to about 90. The central portion can have a width in a range of about 7 mm to about 20 mm. The central portion can have a thickness in a range of about 1 mm to about 2 mm. Each wing can have a width in a range of about 7 mm to about 20 mm. Each wing can have a thickness in a range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. Each wing can have a thickness greater than a thickness of the central portion. Each hinge section can have a thickness in a range of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm. Each hinge section can have a thickness less than a thickness of at least one of the central portion or each wing. Each hinge section can have a thickness less than a thickness of each of the central portion and each wing. Each leg can have a height in a range of about 5 mm to about 10 mm. Each leg can have a thickness in a range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm. Each leg can include a plurality of friction barbs protruding from a side thereof proximate a respective wing. The molding can include a cover extending along upper surfaces of the central portion and the wings. The cover can be adhered to at least a portion of the upper surfaces. The cover can include a decorative finish, a friction enhancing finish, a wear resistant finish, or any combination thereof. The molding can further include a U-shaped track defining a slot for receiving the vertical legs therein. The U-shaped track can include means for attaching a base of the U-shaped track to a surface. The attaching means can be or include an adhesive layer, a plurality of apertures formed in the base for receiving fasteners therethrough, or any combination thereof.

In another aspect, the subject matter of this disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a universal transition molding for bridging two floor surfaces. The method includes the steps of: (i) extruding a substantially symmetrical molding profile of unitary construction having: a substantially planar central portion; a pair of downwardly depending substantially planar wings; a pair of hinge sections joining the wings to opposing edges of the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion; and (ii) cooling the extruded profile.

In some implementations, the extruded profile is made of or includes PVC and/or can have a Shore D durometer in a range of about 50 to about 90. The central portion can have a width in a range of about 7 mm to about 20 mm. The central portion can have a thickness in a range of about 1 mm to about 2 mm. Each wing can have a width in a range of about 7 mm to about 20 mm. Each wing can have a thickness in a range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. Each wing can have a thickness greater than a thickness of the central portion. Each hinge section can have a thickness in a range of about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm. Each hinge section can have a thickness less than a thickness of at least one of the central portion or each wing. Each hinge section can have a thickness less than a thickness of each of the central portion and each wing. Each leg can have a height in a range of about 5 mm to about 10 mm. Each leg can have a thickness in a range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm. Each leg can include a plurality of friction barbs protruding from a side thereof proximate a respective wing. The method can include applying a cover extending along upper surfaces of the central portion and the wings. Applying the cover can include co-extruding, coating, and/or adhering the cover onto at least a portion of the upper surfaces. The cover can include a decorative finish, a friction enhancing finish, a wear resistant finish, or any combination thereof. The method can include providing a U-shaped track defining a slot for receiving the vertical legs therein. The U-shaped track can include means for attaching a base of the U-shaped track to a surface. The attaching means can be or include an adhesive layer, a plurality of apertures formed in the base for receiving fasteners therethrough, or any combination thereof.

In another aspect, the subject matter of this disclosure relates to a method of installing a universal transition molding for bridging two floor surfaces. The method includes the steps of: (i) obtaining a substantially symmetrical molding profile of unitary construction having: a substantially planar central portion; a pair of downwardly depending substantially planar wings; a pair of hinge sections joining the wings to opposing edges of the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion; and (ii) pressing the legs into a slot between the two floor surfaces.

In various examples, the slot is formed by a saw kerf, opposing edges of flooring, a U-shaped track mounted between the two floor surfaces, or any combination thereof. The extruded profile can be made of or include PVC and/or can have a Shore D durometer in a range of about 50 to about 90. The central portion can have a width in a range of about 7 mm to about 20 mm. The central portion can have a thickness in a range of about 1 mm to about 2 mm. Each wing can have a width in a range of about 7 mm to about 20 mm. Each wing can have a thickness in a range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. Each wing can have a thickness greater than a thickness of the central portion. Each hinge section can have a thickness in a range of about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm. Each hinge section can have a thickness less than a thickness of at least one of the central portion or each wing. Each hinge section can have a thickness less than a thickness of each of the central portion and each wing. Each leg can have a height in a range of about 5 mm to about 10 mm. Each leg can have a thickness in a range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm. Each leg can include a plurality of friction barbs protruding from a side thereof proximate a respective wing. The molding profile can have or include a cover extending along upper surfaces of the central portion and the wings. The cover can be adhered to at least a portion of the upper surfaces. The cover can include a decorative finish, a friction enhancing finish, a wear resistant finish, or any combination thereof. The method can include mounting a U-shaped track between the two floor surfaces, and pressing the legs into the slot can include inserting the legs into the U-shaped track. Mounting the U-shaped track can include attaching the U-shaped track to a surface using at least one of an adhesive layer and a mechanical fastener.

These and other objects, along with advantages and features of embodiments of the present invention herein disclosed, will become more apparent through reference to the following description, the figures, and the claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic, end view of a universal transition molding profile, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic, end view of a universal transition molding profile and a mating U-shaped track mounted in a slot between two adjacent flooring materials, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic, end view of a universal transition molding profile installed in a mating U-shaped track and bridging two adjacent flooring materials of different heights, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic, end view of a universal transition molding profile having a cover, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic, end view of a universal transition molding profile with various labelled dimensions, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a universal transition molding, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of installing a universal transition molding, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is contemplated that apparatus, systems, methods, and processes of the claimed invention encompass variations and adaptations developed using information from the embodiments described herein. Adaptation and/or modification of the apparatus, systems, methods, and processes described herein may be performed by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art and are considered to be within the scope of the disclosed invention.

It should be understood that the order of steps or order for performing certain actions is immaterial, so long as the invention remains operable. Moreover, two or more steps or actions may be conducted simultaneously.

Referring to FIG. 1, in certain examples, a universal transition molding 10 (also referred to herein simply as “molding”) is configured to be installed or mounted in a slot between two adjacent building materials, such as two adjacent flooring, wall, or ceiling materials, to provide a smooth or more gradual transition between the adjacent building materials, which can have different heights or thicknesses. The molding 10 can be symmetrical or substantially symmetrical about a central vertical plane 12. As used herein, substantially symmetrical can mean visually symmetrical. Accordingly, dimensional variations of up to 25%, 20%, 15%, 10% or 5% or less between corresponding structures can be considered substantially symmetrical. The molding 10 can be or include a profile that can be formed by extrusion, molding, or other manufacturing methods. In some embodiments, the molding 10 or a portion thereof (e.g., an extruded profile) is of unitary construction, for example, with elements of the molding 10 formed from a single, continuous material, a blend of materials (e.g., a homogeneous blend), or multiple co-extruded materials. The molding 10 can be formed from or include a polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, nylon, an elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or other polymeric materials. A durometer (e.g., Shore D) of the material used in the molding 10 can be about 60 or can range from about 50 to about 90, though values above and below this range are contemplated. Optionally, the material can include fillers or reinforcing materials, such as glass fiber or carbon fiber, to enhance structural integrity.

In the depicted example, the universal transition molding 10 includes a central portion 14, a pair of wings 16 a and 16 b, and a pair of vertical legs 18 a and 18 b. The central portion 14 is or includes a planar or substantially planar (or flat) sheet or strip portion of the molding 10. Each wing 16 a or 16 b is also planar or substantially planar (or flat). As used herein, substantially planar can mean visually planar. For example, a surface can be substantially planar along a length dimension when a radius of curvature for the length dimension (e.g., in a direction normal to the surface) is at least 2, 3, 5, or 10 times larger than the length dimension (e.g., a length dimension of 1 cm has a radius of curvature of at least 2, 3, 5, or 10 cm). The wings 16 a and 16 b are joined to opposing edges of the central portion 14 by a pair of respective hinge sections 20 a and 20 b. When the molding 10 is in a relaxed or uninstalled state, the wings 16 a and 16 b depend or hang slightly downwardly from the central portion 14, to define a wing angle Aw between each wing 16 a or 16 b and a horizontal plane 22 defined by the central portion 14. This feature provides a resilient bias, so that the tips of the wings 16 a and 16 b reliably remain in contact with the abutting floor surfaces after installation of the molding 10. The hinge sections 20 a and 20 b are generally more flexible than the wings 16 a and 16 b and/or the central portion 14, such that the hinge sections 20 a and 20 b permit the wings 16 a and 16 b to flex or rotate about the hinge sections 20 a and 20 b relative to the central portion 14, thereby changing the wing angle Aw. The greater flexibility of the hinge sections 20 a and 20 b can be achieved by making the hinge sections 20 a and 20 b thinner than the wings 16 a and 16 b and/or the central portion 14. The thinner hinge sections 20 a and 20 b can be achieved by forming an inner radius at a bottom surface of each hinge section 20 a or 20 b. The pair of vertical legs 18 a and 18 b extend from a bottom surface of the central portion 14, proximate the hinge sections 20 a and 20 b. Each vertical leg 18 a or 18 b can include one or more friction barbs 24 protruding from an inner and/or outer side of the vertical leg 18 a or 18 b.

Referring to FIG. 2, the molding 10 can be installed in a gap or slot 30 between two adjacent flooring materials, including a first flooring material 32 and a second flooring material 34. The first flooring material 32 and the second flooring material 34 can have different thicknesses or heights (H_(F1) and H_(F2), respectively) above a sub-floor 36, such that a height difference ΔH exists between exposed upper surfaces of the two flooring materials 32 and 34. To facilitate installation, a U-shaped track 38 can be mounted to the sub-floor 36 in the slot 30 (e.g., using adhesive or fasteners through apertures 39 in the U-shaped track 38) and can be sized and configured to receive the vertical legs 18 a and 18 b of the molding 10. For example, the vertical legs 18 a and 18 b can be pressed into the U-shaped track 38 during installation, to achieve a friction or interference fit between outer walls or barbs 24 of the vertical legs 18 a and 18 b and inner vertical wall surfaces of the U-shaped track 38. The friction barbs 24 can provide enhanced friction between the vertical legs 18 a and 18 b and the U-shaped track 38, to ensure the molding 10 is properly secured and retained in the U-shaped track 38. In alternative examples, the molding 10 can be installed without the U-shaped track 38 by achieving a friction or interference fit directly with sidewalls of the adjacent flooring materials 32 and 34. Installation can be achieved by pressing or pounding the molding 10 into position by hand or with a mallet.

FIG. 3 depicts the molding 10, the U-shaped track 38, and the two flooring materials 32 and 34 after the molding 10 has been installed. Advantageously, the flexibility and downward bias afforded by the hinge sections 20 a and 20 b permits the two wings 16 a and 16 b to rotate about the hinge sections 20 a and 20 b, as needed, to accommodate the difference in height between the two flooring materials 32 and 34, while maintaining reliable contact with the flooring materials 32 and 34. In the installed position, each wing 16 a or 16 b remains planar or substantially planar and is resting on an adjacent flooring material 32 or 34, with little or no gap or separation between at least a tip of the wing 16 a or 16 b and the flooring material 32 or 34. The installed molding fills the slot 30 between the two flooring materials 32 and 34 and provides a smooth transition from the first flooring material 32 to the second flooring material 34.

Referring to FIG. 4, in some examples, the molding 10 can have or include a cover 40 extending along upper surfaces of the central portion 14 and the wings 16 a and 16 b. In the depicted example, the cover 40 extends around outer tips 42 a and 42 b of the wings 16 a and 16 b and covers at least a portion of bottom surfaces of the wings 16 a and 16 b, so as to be reliably retained and/or visually appealing. The cover 40 can be or include, for example, a coating (e.g., paint or stain), a film, a foil, or a laminate material. The cover 40 can be formed on the molding 10 through co-extrusion, in which the cover 40 is co-extruded onto the depicted portion of the profile of the extruded molding 10. Alternatively or additionally, the cover 40 can be applied or adhered to the molding 10 after the profile of the molding 10 has been formed. The cover 40 can have or provide a decorative finish, a friction enhancing finish, and/or a wear resistant finish. In some instances, the decorative finish can achieve an appearance of a natural building material, such as wood or stone, through the use of one or more pigments and/or a printed pattern.

FIG. 5 illustrates various dimensions for this embodiment of the molding 10, including a thickness Tc of the central portion 14, a width We of the central portion 14, a thickness Tw of each wing 16 a or 16 b, a width W_(W) of each wing 16 a or 16 b, a thickness TH of the hinge sections, a width W_(H) of the hinge sections, a thickness TL of each vertical leg 18 a or 18 b, a height HL of each vertical leg 18 a or 18 b, a total height H_(T) of the molding 10 (e.g., in its relaxed or uninstalled state), a total width W_(T) of the molding 10 (e.g., in its relaxed or uninstalled state), and a distance DL between outer sides of the vertical legs 18 a and 18 b, which can be equal to or substantially the same as (e.g., within 5%, 10%, or 20%) the width We of the central portion 14. The total height H_(T) can be equal to a distance from a top surface of the central portion 14 to a bottom surface of the vertical legs 18 a and 18 b. Example low, high, and typical range values for these dimensions and other parameters for the molding 10 are provided in Table 1. The listed values for thicknesses Tc, TH, TL, and/or Tw can be minimum, maximum, or average thicknesses. Various embodiments include any parameter value (e.g., integer or decimal value) within the cited ranges. For example, the thickness Tc of the central portion 14 can be 1, 1.1, 1.2, . . . , 1.9, or 2 mm. Likewise, the width W_(H) of each hinge section can be 1, 2, 3, . . . , 7, or 8 mm. Express support and written description of these parameter values for each parameter are hereby represented.

TABLE 1 Exemplary parameters for the universal transition molding. Parameter Low Typical High Central Portion Thickness T_(C) (mm) 1 1.2-1.4 2 Central Portion Width W_(C) (mm) 7 13-14 20 Wing Thickness T_(W) (mm) 1 1.6-2   3 Wing Width W_(W) (mm) 7 13-14 20 Hinge Section Thickness T_(H) (mm) 0.5   1-1.1 1.5 Hinge Section Width W_(H) (mm) 1 2-4 8 Leg Thickness T_(L) (mm) 2 2.7-3   4 Leg Height H_(L) (mm) 5 6.5-7   10 Total Height H_(T) (mm) 5  8-10 15 Total Width W_(T) (mm) 25 40-50 75 Vertical Leg Distance D_(L) (mm) 8 12-13 20 Molding Durometer (Shore D) 50 60 90 Wing Angle A_(W) (degrees) 15 25-35 45 Height Difference ΔH (mm) 0  8-10 20

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method 60 of manufacturing a universal transition molding (e.g., for bridging two floor surfaces) in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. A substantially symmetrical molding profile of unitary construction is extruded (step 62). The molding profile includes: a substantially planar central portion; a pair of downwardly depending (e.g., hanging) substantially planar wings; a pair of hinge sections joining the wings to opposing edges of the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion. A cover is optionally co-extruded (step 64), coated, and/or adhered onto at least a portion of the molding profile. The cover can provide a decorative finish, a friction enhancing finish, or a wear resistant finish to the molding profile, as described herein. The extruded profile is cooled (step 66) and can be cut to desired lengths for shipping and installation.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method 70 of installing a universal transition molding (e.g., for bridging two floor surfaces) in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. A substantially symmetrical molding profile of unitary construction is obtained (step 72). The molding profile includes: a substantially planar central portion; a pair of downwardly depending substantially planar wings; a pair of hinge sections joining the wings to opposing edges of the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion. A U-shaped track can optionally be mounted (step 74) in a slot or gap between two floor surfaces. The legs are pressed (step 76) into the slot (e.g., the U-shaped track) between the two floor surfaces.

Each numerical value presented herein, for example, in a table, a chart, or a graph, is contemplated to represent a minimum value or a maximum value in a range for a corresponding parameter. Accordingly, when added to the claims, the numerical value provides express support for claiming the range, which may lie above or below the numerical value, in accordance with the teachings herein. Absent inclusion in the claims, each numerical value presented herein is not to be considered limiting in any regard.

The terms and expressions employed herein are used as terms and expressions of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. In addition, having described certain embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments incorporating the concepts disclosed herein may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the molding may include solely one vertical mounting leg, with no barbs or barbs formed on one or both sidewalls. Alternatively, for the two leg embodiment, the barbs may be formed on one or both inner opposing sidewalls, to friction grip a vertical protrusion centrally or otherwise located in the slot or gap. Yet further, the barbs may be formed on both inner and outer sidewalls of the two leg embodiment, to optionally be mountable in slots or gaps with correspondingly spaced sidewalls and/or protrusions.

The features and functions of the various embodiments may be arranged in various combinations and permutations, and all are considered to be within the scope of the disclosed invention. Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as only illustrative and not restrictive. Furthermore, the configurations, materials, and dimensions described herein are intended as illustrative and in no way limiting. Similarly, although physical explanations have been provided for explanatory purposes, there is no intent to be bound by any particular theory or mechanism, or to limit the claims in accordance therewith. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A universal transition molding for bridging two floor surfaces, the molding comprising: a substantially symmetrical extruded profile of unitary construction comprising: a substantially planar central portion; a pair of downwardly depending substantially planar wings; a pair of hinge sections joining the wings to opposing edges of the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion, wherein each wing has an average thickness greater than an average thickness of the central portion.
 2. The molding of claim 1, wherein the extruded profile comprises PVC having a Shore D durometer in a range of about 50 to about
 90. 3. The molding of claim 1, wherein the central portion has a width in a range of about 7 mm to about 20 mm and a thickness in a range of about 1 mm to about 2 mm.
 4. The molding of claim 1, wherein each wing has a width in a range of about 7 mm to about 20 mm and a thickness in a range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm.
 5. The molding of claim 1, wherein each hinge section has a thickness in a range of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm.
 6. The molding of claim 1, wherein each hinge section has a thickness less than a thickness of at least one of the central portion or each wing.
 7. The molding of claim 1, wherein each leg has a height in a range of about 5 mm to about 10 mm and a thickness in a range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm.
 8. The molding of claim 1, wherein each leg comprises a plurality of friction barbs protruding from a side thereof proximate a respective wing.
 9. The molding of claim 1 further comprising a cover extending along upper surfaces of the central portion and the wings, wherein the cover comprises at least one of a decorative finish, a friction enhancing finish, or a wear resistant finish.
 10. The molding of claim 1 further comprising a U-shaped track defining a slot for receiving the vertical legs therein.
 11. A method of manufacturing a universal transition molding for bridging two floor surfaces, the method comprising the steps of: extruding a substantially symmetrical molding profile of unitary construction comprising: a substantially planar central portion; a pair of downwardly depending substantially planar wings; a pair of hinge sections joining the wings to opposing edges of the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion, wherein each wing has an average thickness greater than an average thickness of the central portion; and cooling the extruded profile.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the extruded profile comprises PVC having a Shore D durometer in a range of about 50 to about
 90. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein each hinge section has a thickness less than a thickness of at least one of the central portion or each wing.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein each leg comprises a plurality of friction barbs protruding from a side thereof proximate a respective wing.
 15. The method of claim 11 further comprising applying a cover extending along upper surfaces of the central portion and the wings, wherein the applying the cover comprises at least one of co-extruding, coating, or adhering the cover onto at least a portion of the upper surfaces.
 16. The method of claim 11 further comprising providing a U-shaped track defining a slot for receiving the vertical legs therein.
 17. A method of installing a universal transition molding for bridging two floor surfaces, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a substantially symmetrical molding profile of unitary construction comprising: a substantially planar central portion; a pair of downwardly depending substantially planar wings; a pair of hinge sections joining the wings to opposing edges of the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion, wherein each wing has an average thickness greater than an average thickness of the central portion; and pressing the legs into a slot between the two floor surfaces.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the slot is formed by at least one of a saw kerf, opposing edges of flooring, a U-shaped track mounted between the two floor surfaces, and combinations thereof.
 19. The method of claim 17 further comprising mounting a U-shaped track between the two floor surfaces, wherein pressing the legs into the slot comprises inserting the legs into the U-shaped track.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein mounting the U-shaped track comprises attaching the U-shaped track to a surface using at least one of an adhesive layer and a mechanical fastener. 